Mike Rainwater

After Mike Rainwater started a career as a computer programmer in the 1970s, he realized that he liked talking to people more than he liked computers. So he decided to go to law school. “I felt that I had to go to law school … or live the rest of my life regretting it,” the Arkansas native said.

Rainwater attended South Texas College of Law in Houston at night while continuing to work as a computer programmer during the day.

After graduating in 1979, Rainwater returned to Arkansas and became a deputy prosecuting attorney in Little Rock. He held that position for two years before going into private practice.

In 2006, Rainwater, Stephen Holt and Bob Sexton formed a law firm for Arkansans who need legal help with issues such as personal injury, bankruptcy, Social Security disability claims and workers’ compensation. Holt died in 2014.

Rainwater Holt & Sexton of Little Rock is now the largest personal injury firm in Arkansas. The practice has expanded to 140 employees, with 30 attorneys, and offices in Little Rock, Bryant, Conway, Fayetteville and Hot Springs.

The firm doesn’t release revenue figures. It handled more than 5,000 cases in 2018 and around 5,500 in 2019.

Rainwater said the firm’s management philosophy is to hire “the best people we can, and then we want to train them the best we can.”

Away from the courtroom, the firm is focused on giving back to the community. The firm partners with KATV, Channel 7, in Little Rock for the Spirit of Arkansas Award, which goes to nonprofit organizations. Rainwater Holt & Sexton also works with KARK, Channel 4, and its sister station, KLRT, known as Fox 16, to highlight a Victory Over Violence Difference Maker. Last year, the firm began partnering with KTHV, Channel 11, for its Saluting Heroes award, which honors local heroes.

The firm also supports the Arkansas chapters of the ALS Association and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

“Our charitable activities are a big part of who we are,” Rainwater said. “It’s become really important to us.”